Michael had undergone chemotherapy and surgery earlier this year to address a cancerous growth in his chest, after a check up in July it was discovered the cancer had rapidly spread, and a couple of weeks ago he very bravely shared the devastating news that he only had months and he was working through a palliative care plan. Michael was able to spend some quality time with Trudi and children Finn, Olivia and Daniel in Fiji, but had to cut the trip short due to a deterioration in his condition. Michael passed away with his family by his side including his mother Mai, brother David and sister Linda.

Michael had been a big part of the club since he started playing in 1997, fresh out of university - initially as part of a particularly strong 2nd XV before going on to represent the 1st XV with distinction, primarily in the back-row. Michael was a talented player, with his commitment and physicality being his trademarks - a ferocious competitor who was only happy when he was in the thick of it, never knowingly taking a backward step. This was in spite of a somewhat inauspicious start to his rugby career whilst still at school, the 'highlights' being having his arm broken by Mr Wood whilst he demonstrated the art of the tackle, and having his mother write to Mr Davies asking that he be excused from rugby because 'he finds it a bit difficult'.

Michael was equally well-regarded for his off-pitch antics, with an infectious charm that he deployed to entice his peers out for post-match refreshments on every available opportunity, often on one of his guided 'historic' pub tours of Enfield town, where he delighted in regaling us (and the wider public, whether they liked it or not) with little-known and almost impossible to disprove 'facts' in every pub that was visited. These occasions would invariably conclude in a curry house where once again Michael would take centre-stage, or perhaps more accurately, table-top.

Michael was also an elite-level rugby tourist and would never fail to entertain, whether re-enacting of scene from Charlie & The Chocolate Factory on the train back from Scotland, or a rendition of the Haka in a packed Wetherspoon's in Edinburgh - if there was high jinx to be had, he’d be in the middle of it. Whilst there are countless stories to be told by his clubmates, a good few of these are unfortunately unprintable, and for a few more, you probably had to be there, but such was Michael's appeal, many were there, and so these stories will doubtless be shared even more frequently in the days ahead as we try to come to terms with the loss of a great friend and teammate

Michael met Trudi in 1998 and in 2005 they moved to Wellington with their first child, Finn. Michael joined and played for Paremata-Plimmerton RFC, where his former teammates have described him as 'a tough bugger who led by example on the field, and a true gentleman with the biggest heart off it'. When not playing rugby he filled his time with a successful career in senior roles with New Zealand's Government and any other spare time he had was spent on his boat fishing for crayfish, water skiing, swimming and many other outdoor activities.

Michael frequently returned to visit friends & family in England and Ireland and never failed to meet up with all his old teammates for drinks or even rugby tour if he somehow managed to get the timing just right. Friendships were instantly rekindled and the laughter ensued once more.

Although Michael’s life was cut short at the age of just 50, it can certainly be said he lived his life to its fullest. Despite his prognosis, in his final messages he relayed that everything was now about family and memories and that he was surrounded by love and support, and he regarded the little time he did have to spend with his family as a blessing.

He was a big personality a great teammate, true friend and a legend to all those who knew him. He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those that were close to him. RIP 'Byrds'.

A requiem mass will be held at St Theresa’s church in Pimmerton on Monday 4th August at 11am (NZ time) followed by burial at Whenua Tapu cemetery. The wake will be held at Paremata-Plimmerton RFC.

The service will also be live streamed (3rd August at Midnight UK time) and can be accessed via the following link:

https://vimeopro.com/withloveweremember/michaellovett